Company history

Our origins date back to 1968 when two family-owned companies in the automobile sector joined forces to create A&S FERDSA, whose development led to the founding of Fersa Bearings.

The rigor, quality and modernization of our production processes, and our continued investment in R&D have enabled us to become an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and an approved Tier1 supplier, positioning ourselves among the leading brands in the aftermarket.

Fersa's international presence is growing every day and has now reached more than 85 countries. Our extensive global distribution network, as well as the presence of our own manufacturing centers and engineering and sales offices in strategic markets, have allowed the Fersa brand to continue growing worldwide year after year.

 


1940-1967: Rise of the workshops

Two family workshops join forces

  • Jorge Abad began to manufacture bearings at the end of the 1940s under the SJF brand, which, after joining forces with Felix Sánchez, would later be renamed A&S Bearing.

     
  • The Tomás Algás brothers (Antonio, Justo and Rogelio) start out their business in the 1950s with the brand AJR Tomás.


1968-1980: From workshops to the factory

Sales increase and investments in new machinery and processes

  • 1968 | The workshops merge giving rise to FERDSA (Special Manufacturers of Bearings S.A.) and move to new facilities in Zaragoza.
  • 1969 | The manufacturing processes are improved and the first working sections are created.
  • 1975  | Major investment into cutting-edge machinery and new grinding lines.
  • 1980 | Design and manufacture of tapered roller bearings in metric and inch series.

1981-2001: European Quality

International expansion and standardization of quality controls

  • 1981 | Definition of quality standards for raw materials, the grinding process and heat treatment.
  • 1985 | Design and development of the first special tapered roller bearings.
  • 1991 | Production of flange bearings.
  • 1992 | The owners sell the FERDSA company to their employees.
  • 1993 | The company is renamed FERSA (Fábricas Europeo de Rodamientos SA).
  • 1997 | The first quality certificate, the ISO 9001, is awarded.
  • 2001 | Increased product range: standard ball bearings, special bearings for clutches, axial balls, and cylindrical rollers with brass cages.

2002- 2022: International expansion

The vision of the company is redefined and focuses on innovation and the OEM customer base.

  • 2002 | Partnership with Going Investment.
  • 2005 | New headquarters in Zaragoza (Spain).
  • 2006 | Development of double row ball bearings. 2006 | Award of ISO TS 16949 certificate, which certifies the management system for the automotive industry.
  • 2008 | Launch of roller axel bearings (type "T") and special ball bearings.
  • 2009 | International expansion begins, with the first technical-sales offices opened in Brazil.
  • ​Creation of the NBE (Network Bearing Excellence)
  • 2010 | Installation of high precision lines at the Zaragoza factory.
  • 2011 | Opening of new production plant in Jiaxing (China).
  • 2012 | Creation of the Fersa Iberia national distribution logistics center.
  • 2014 | Opening of a new logistics center in China: Jiaxing Logistic Center. Presentation of the new generation of bearings: Smart Bearing Demonstrator.
  • 2015 | Opening of two logistics centers in the American continent: one in Ohio (United States) and another in Curitiba (Brazil). Fersa Care is created, complete assistance service for the mechanic.
  • 2016| Fersa acquires the Austrian manufacturer NKE giving rise to the business group, Fersa Group. 2016 | Fersa takes part in European Manufacturing Projects 4.0
  • 2018 | Expansion of the Fersa headquarters in Zaragoza (Spain).
  • 2018 | Fersa becomes one of Daimler's offical bearing supplier. 
  • 2019 | Fersa Bearings opens new distribution center in Russia.
  • 2021 | Fersa Group moves into the new HQ building in Zaragoza.
  • 2021 | NKE Bearings is certified as a Great Place to Work in Austria.
  • 2022 | Fersa Group acquires 100% of PFI Group Inc., parent company of American brand Perfect Fit Industries (PFI).
  • 2022 | Fersa Group opens new distribution centers in Latin-American, Europe, and Asia Pacific.
  • 2022 | Fersa Bearings launches a new business unit for smart mobility.
  • 2022 | Fersa Bearings is certified as a Great Place to Work in Spain.